The Secrets of Yoga – September 2007 Newsletter

A lot of people have asked me how they can meditate; specifically how they can stop the constant flow of thoughts they have everyday.

I have always answered that there are many methods for achieving a meditative state where the flow of thoughts is largely diminished or even disappears. Some of these methods include the following: focusing on the breath, chanting mantras, lowering the number of breaths per minute, and so on. In reality, however, all of these methods follow a common theme: developing constant concentration in a specific point like;

A physical point in the body: the third eye, tip of the nose, the point between the tip of the nose and the upper lip, where the air comes in and out, etc.

The point of concentration can also be outside of the body like focusing on a plant, or in the photograph of a deity, etc, or

A mental concentration on an emotion, like love, compassion, peace, etc.

There are no limits for these objects of concentration. The Buddhist calls it “Mindfulness”, which is otherwise being conscious, alert, thoughtful, observant and so on.